Releasing Butterflies
A Butterfly Release is setting free a group of butterflies into the environment to enjoy the colorful and magnificent wonder of these unique creatures as they flutter about. They can be seen in the area up to a few days. Read on to find out more about Butterfly releases:
Monarchs are very friendly butterflies and their release is not only environmentally safe, but helps contribute to the restoration of the population in your area. It is more ecologically sound than releasing balloons, throwing rice or bird seed.
Some rules for all releases include: (From the International Butterfly Breeders Association web site) http://www.butterflybreeders.org
(1) Butterflies should be released outside during daylight hours, on a sunny or overcast (but not rainy!) day with a temperature above 60 F. Ideally, you should plan to let them fly free no later than two hours before sunset. This will allow sufficient time for them to nectar (eat) and to find a safe hiding place for the night.
(2) Hold your release in an area protected from the wind, or they will quickly disappear! A sunny, warm, flower-filled area or garden is best. The butterflies' first flight is usually very short, and they will instinctively fly toward the brightest object -- the bride or people wearing bright colors -- or towards flowers and bouquets.
Remember that IBBA breeders have the highest ethical code in the business and their first thoughts are always for the comfort of the butterflies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many butterflies do I need for an event?
The amount you choose is a matter of preference and/or budget. Two dozen for every 50 persons attending event is a good amount. The larger the number of butterflies released, the more awesome and dramatic the effect.
How are butterflies shipped?
After they are fed and exercised, the butterflies are put in individual envelopes or the containment method that your specified when you placed your order. They are carefully packaged in a box with cotton batting for cushion and in hot weather, an ice pack is included in the bottom of the container. The butterflies are air expressed to you overnight for delivery the following day. Please make sure someone will be there to receive the butterflies at the time of delivery.
Will any of them die?
Only fresh, young butterflies will be shipped. They are carefully packaged and most of the time there are no expired butterflies. However, your shipment will contain extra butterflies as insurance. Butterflies do expire sometimes no matter how they are cared for. If you are dealing with a quality breeder that ships carefully, and you follow the care instructions, your butterflies should be just fine.
The butterflies are kept cool and in a restful state inside the envelopes. They have enough oxygen and can live up to four days on their own body fat. While in transit, they are in a reduced metabolic state and are not stressed at all. It does not hurt the butterflies or harm them in any way. If you see red liquid material, don’t worry. This is meconium, a normal body fluid from the butterfly and it is not bleeding or injured.
What do I do with the butterflies when they arrive?
Immediately put the box in a quiet, cool, dark place like a closet or basement. Do not unwrap them or disturb them. Make sure they are not in direct sun nor too cold. You will hear little scratching noises, and this is the sound of their feet inside the envelopes. Don’t worry, they are not in distress. About an hour or so before the scheduled release, take the box out of the closet and let it warm up a bit, but do not put it in direct sun. Once the packages are opened the natural heat and light will awaken these sleeping beauties and inspire them to take flight.
What are good conditions for release?
Release the butterflies during the daytime, at least one hour before sundown so they will have time to find nectar plants and a place to roost for the night. Temperatures MUST be above 65 degrees F. Do not release butterflies on a cold or windy day. Only release them outdoors and never inside a house or building!
If it’s too cold or rainy, display butterflies in net cages and release when weather permits. Remember to have net cages on hand as a backup in case of severe weather.
What different ways can they be released?
Butterflies can be released out of envelopes or can be mass released. The first method is one in which butterflies are in specially designed origami envelopes which are passed out to your guests who are participating in the release. Sometimes this is the wedding party, and sometimes this includes all of the guests. After the envelopes are passed out, someone might want to read the Native American Butterfly Legend and then the butterflies are released out of their envelopes. The second way is the mass release where the butterflies all emerge from one box that is opened to set them free. The release effect is more dramatic and more personal if the butterflies are set free out of individual envelopes as sometimes they tend to stay in the mass release box instead of immediately flying free.
What is the best way to go about photographing the butterflies?
You might want to take a few of the butterflies in their envelopes and place them in a refrigerator for about 20 minutes, just before the photographer takes the group pictures. Get the group arranged for the photograph then take the butterflies out of their envelopes and position them quickly where you want them. You will have approximately 30 to 60 seconds to take the photograph before the butterflies fly away! They will stay still, right where you put them for this brief time. Cooling them does not hurt them, it slows down their metabolic rate for a short period of time.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to email us at Webb Wings Monarch Butterfly Farm or give us a call and we will be glad to answer them for you.
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